Sportsbet.com.au seeks leave to appeal High Court

Sportsbet.com.au Chief Executive Matthew Tripp today announced Sportsbet has applied to seek special leave to appeal to the High Court of Australia in relation to last month’s Federal Court ruling on New South Wales Race Fields Legislation.

“We are clearly disappointed that the judges didn’t see the issues in the same manner as Justice Perram did the first time around,” said Mr Tripp.

“Justice Perram concluded that the State of New South Wales, Racing New South Wales and Harness Racing New South Wales all intended to engage in discriminatory protectionism. He also clearly stated that the 1.5 percent impost is a protectionist burden which discriminates against traders in the Northern Territory and is unlawful. We are confident this view will be shared by the High Court.

“All along we have said we are happy to pay our way to the racing industry and want to help racing remain strong, but a 1.5 percent fee on turnover is onerous and discriminatory, particularly when the TAB and local bookmakers don’t pay the fee.

“We believe a tax on a bookmaker’s revenue is fair and this view is supported by the Federal Government’s Productivity Commission Report into Gambling. We also believe the NSW scheme is flawed and needs to be removed.”

Mr Tripp said that whilst he did not see merit in having a public debate with Mr V’Landys, a number of comments from Racing New South Wales in recent weeks were totally incorrect and inappropriate.

“Racing New South Wales has stated publicly that it will distribute the money to the people who ‘put on the show’,” said Tripp.

“What, however, Racing New South Wales should publicly state is what it will do in the event that the High Court decision goes in Sportsbet’s favour.

“As the matter is yet to be heard by the High Court it would be premature for Racing New South Wales to be spending the money.

“When it comes to racing, there is no show without betting. Racing New South Wales would rather look after the few than the many, treating punters like second-class citizens, and preferring to instead line the pockets of high-profile owners.”